Knowledge Base

How to Use and Troubleshoot the Dell 1708FP and 1908FP Monitors

This article provides the information and guidance for troubleshooting issues with the Dell 1708FP and 1908FP Monitors

Using the Monitor Self-Test

The monitor provides a self-test feature that allows you to check whether your monitor is functioning properly. If your monitor and computer are properly connected but the monitor screen remains dark, run the monitor self-test by performing the following steps:

Turn off both the computer and the monitor.

Unplug the video cable from the back of the monitor. To ensure proper Self-Test operation, remove all digital (white DVI connector) and analog (blue VGA connector) cables from the back of the computer.

Turn on the monitor.

NOTE: A floating message box appears on screen with a black background, if the monitor is working correctly but cannot sense a video signal. While the monitor is in the self-test mode, the power LED remains green. Also, based on the selected input, a message box appears and floats on the screen. The dialog box also appears during normal system operation, if the video cable is disconnected or damaged.

This box also appears during normal system operation, if the video cable becomes disconnected or damaged. The monitor will enter Power Save Mode after 5 minutes if left at this state.

Turn off the flat panel display and reconnect the video cable; then turn on both the computer and the flat panel display.

If the flat panel display screen remains blank after using the previous procedure, check the video controller and computer, because the flat panel display is functioning properly.

NOTE: If the monitor screen remains blank, check the video controller and the computer.

Common Monitor Issues

Ensure that the video cable connecting the monitor and the computer is properly
connected and secure.

Verify that the power outlet is functioning properly using any other electrical equipment..

Ensure that the power button is depressed fully.

No Video/Power LED On

No picture or no brightness

Press the input select button in the front of the monitor and ensure the correct input source is selected.

Increase the brightness and contrast using the On-Screen Display (OSD) menus.

Perform the monitor self-test check.

Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.

Reboot the computer and the monitor.

Poor Focus

Picture is fuzzy, blurry, or ghosting

Perform Auto-Adjust using the On-Screen Display (OSD) menus.

Adjust the Phase and Pixel Clock controls using the OSD.

Avoid using any video extension cables.

Reset the monitor to Factory Settings using the OSD. (Push the MENU button to open the OSD menu and display the main menu,Push the - and + buttons to move between the setting options, till Factory Reset is Highlighted, Push the MENU button once to activate.)

Lower the video resolution or increase font size.

Shaky/Jittery Video

Wavy picture or fine movement

Perform Auto-Adjust using the On-Screen Display (OSD) menus.

Adjust the Phase and Pixel Clock controls using the OSD.

Reset the monitor to Factory Settings. (Push the MENU button to open the OSD menu and display the main menu,Push the - and + buttons to move between the setting options, till Factory Reset is Highlighted, Push the MENU button once to activate.)

Check environmental factors.

Relocate the monitor and try it in another room.

Missing Pixels

LCD screen has spots

Turn the monitor off and back on.

Be aware that a pixel that is permanently off is a natural defect that can occur with all LCD technology.

For more information on Dell's Monitor Quality and Pixel Policy, go to this article .

Stuck-on Pixels

LCD screen has bright spots

Turn the monitor off and back on.

Be aware that a pixel that is permanently stuck on is a natural defect that can occur with all LCD technology.

For more information on Dell's Monitor Quality and Pixel Policy, go to this article .

Brightness Problems

Picture too dim or too bright

Reset the monitor to Factory Settings. (Push the MENU button to open the OSD menu and display the main menu,Push the - and + buttons to move between the setting options, till Factory Reset is Highlighted, Push the MENU button once to activate.)

Auto-Adjust using the on-screen display (OSD) menus.

Adjust the brightness and contrast controls using the OSD.

Geometric Distortion

Screen is not centered correctly

Reset the monitor to Factory Settings. (Push the MENU button to open the OSD menu and display the main menu,Push the - and + buttons to move between the setting options, till Factory Reset is Highlighted, Push the MENU button once to activate.)

Auto-Adjust using the on-screen display (OSD) menus.

Adjust the horizontal and vertical controls using the OSD.

Ensure monitor is in proper video mode

Horizontal/Vertical Lines

Screen has one or more lines

Reset the monitor to Factory Settings. (Push the MENU button to open the OSD menu and display the main menu,Push the - and + buttons to move between the setting options, till Factory Reset is Highlighted, Push the MENU button once to activate.)

Reset the monitor to Factory Settings. (Push the MENU button to open the OSD menu and display the main menu,Push the - and + buttons to move between the setting options, till Factory Reset is Highlighted, Push the MENU button once to activate.)

Make sure the video cable connecting the monitor to the computer is connected properly.

Reset the monitor to Factory Settings. (Push the MENU button to open the OSD menu and display the main menu,Push the - and + buttons to move between the setting options, till Factory Reset is Highlighted, Push the MENU button once to activate.)

Perform the monitor self-test feature to determine if the intermittent problems occur in self-test mode.

Missing Color

The picture is missing a color

Perform the self-test feature check.

Make sure the video cable connecting the monitor to the computer is connected properly.

Check for bent or broken pins on the video connector.

Wrong Color

Picture has incorrect colors

Change the color to "PC Custom Color" or "MAC Custom Color"

Adjust R/G/B value of "PC Custom Color" or "MAC Custom Color"

Image Retention from a Static Image Left on the Screen

Faint shadow from the static image is visible on the screen

NOTE: Image Burn-in is not covered under warranty.

Use the Power Management settings to turn off the monitor at all times when not in use.

Alternatively, use a dynamically changing screensaver.

If a Padlock symbol appears when you try to access the On-Screen Display (OSD) Press and hold the Menu button for 15 seconds to unlock the OSD menu.